Building Consent - Guidelines
Building inspection
If you’re planning any construction, demolition or alteration work, you probably need to obtain a building consent before the work begins. Some work may also require resource and earthworks consents, and vehicle access approval.
A building consent verifies that the work proposed complies with the building code.
Work cannot start until you have a building consent and all other necessary authorisations (such as resource consents, earthworks bylaw consents).
You need to allow at least four weeks to obtain a building consent when planning your project.
Once a consent has been issued, work must begin within 12 months and adhere to approved building plans. Inspections are required throughout the construction process in order to secure the final Code Compliance Certificate.
You should plan to complete your project within two years.
- A Beginner's Guide to Resource and Building Consent Processes - Department of Building and Housing website
- A General Guide to the Building Consent Process (199Kb PDF)
When You Need Building Consent
The following are examples of work requiring a building consent:
- all building work including new buildings, additions, alterations, accessory buildings (sheds), and re-piling
- plumbing and drainage
- demolition or relocation of existing structures
- heating (solid fuel fireplaces), ventilation and air conditioning systems
- siteworks for a building
- retaining walls with any portion higher than 1.5m, or retaining walls with a surcharge such as a building or driveway near the top
- fences higher than 2m and any swimming pool fence
- swimming pools and large tanks
- decks with any part more than 1m above ground level.
Schedule 1 of the Building Act lists work that does not need a building consent.
Building Act - Department of Building and Housing website
Driveways
Work on new or existing kerb crossings and driveways on road land require approval through a Vehicular Access Application. You will need to provide a range of information for this application including gradients, crossfalls, widths and surfacing.
Vehicular Access Application (54Kb PDF)
Fireplaces
A building consent is required for the installation of any solid fuel fireplace whether it’s new or a replacement, in-built or free-standing unit.
From 1 September 2005, woodburners are also required to comply with new Resource Management regulations for properties less than 2 hectares. The new standards control discharge to the air and internal efficiency.
It is unlikely that second-hand woodburners will meet these new standards.
Minor Works Checksheet (65Kb PDF)
Smoke Alarms
Inspection for Code Compliance Certificate
Recent changes to the New Zealand Building Code require smoke alarms in all new residential homes or homes undergoing any alterations. Smoke alarms need to be in the escape route on all levels of the building and in – or within 3m of – all sleeping rooms. They need to have a test and hush facility.
Earthworks
If you are altering the ground level or moving earth, you may also need an earthworks consent. Earthworks consent is not covered by your building consent. A separate form is required.
How to Apply
There are two options available for lodging an application for building consent:
- By appointment. This is a 30-minute appointment to discuss your application with a processing officer. Phone (04) 801 4311 for an appointment.
- By post. This must include a deposit cheque - phone (04) 801 4311 for a fee estimate.
Sustainable Energy Grant
A Sustainable Energy Grant is available for customers who are going through the building consent process. The building project must meet specific criteria relating to sustainable building technology, and the Council will stop taking applications if funding is fully dedicated before the end of the financial year.
Related Links
- Applying to do Construction Work Outside Standard Working Hours (58Kb PDF)
- Building Research Association of New Zealand website
- Construction Noise and the Way it is Measured (52Kb PDF)
- Department of Building and Housing website
- Earthworks Consent Application (58Kb PDF)
- Ways to Control Noise from Construction Activities (167Kb PDF)
- Writing a Construction Noise Management Plan (57Kb PDF)
Department Details:
Building Consents & Licensing Services
